Native American Elders Coordinator / Human Services Program Consultant

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking a Native American Elders Coordinator to lead the statewide implementation of Minnesota Statute 256.975, coordinating elder services across tribal and urban Indian communities. The role reports to Aging and Disability Services Administration and collaborates with DHS divisions and tribal governments.

Responsibilities include developing eligibility planning, funding recommendations, and outreach campaigns while ensuring culturally responsive aging

Qualifications

• 3 years of professional experience in human services program or policy development related to aging services or American Indian communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate strategic goals to implement Minnesota Statute 256.975 for a statewide elder services system.
• Develop plans for eligibility criteria, funding, and service focal points including senior centers and Indian elder outreach.
• Coordinate education, public awareness, and training campaigns related to Native elder needs.
• Collaborate with tribal governments, organizations, and DHS divisions to improve aging services delivery.

Skills

Experience in aging services

Tribal Nations consulting

Policy development

Program coordination

Job description

• Telework Eligible: Yes

Working Title: Native American Elders Coordinator

Job Class: Human Services Program Consultant

Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 97889
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/22/2026
• Closing Date: 11/04/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / ADSA Aging & Adult Svcs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 50%
• Salary Range: $36.59 - $54.25 / hourly; $76,399 - $113,274 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Native American Elders Coordinator is responsible for managing the strategic goals and providing leadership for implementation of Minnesota State Statute 256.975 to develop a statewide system of services to support Native elders. This system must include the following components:

• an assessment of the program eligibility, examining the need to change the age-based eligibility criteria to need-based eligibility criteria;
• a planning system that would grant or make recommendations for granting federal and state funding for services;
• a plan for service focal points, senior centers, or community centers for socialization and service accessibility for Indian elders;
• a plan to develop and implement education and public awareness campaigns including awareness programs, sensitivity cultural training, and public education on Indian elder needs;
• a plan for information and referral services including trained advocates and an Indian elder newsletter;
• a plan for a coordinated health care system including health promotion/prevention, in-home service, long-term care service, and health care services;
• a plan for ongoing research involving Indian elders including needs assessment and needs analysis;
• information and referral services for legal advice or legal counsel; and
• a plan to coordinate services with existing organizations including the Council of Indian Affairs, the Minnesota Indian Council of Elders, the Minnesota Board on Aging, and tribal governments.

This position works in coordination with Aging and Disability Services Administration across the various Divisions to efforts to promote and maintain positive and productive working relationships with the Tribal Governments, tribal and urban American Indian communities. Additionally, this position will provide expertise in aging systems delivery in tribal and urban American Indian communities to DHS staff and providers of aging and adult services. This position will coordinate work with the DHS Office of Indian Policy.

Minimum Qualifications

3 years of professional experience in human services program or policy development, consultation, or service delivery related to aging services or American Indian communities. Experience must demonstrate:

• Providing consultation, coordinating resources, or delivering technical assistance to Tribal Nations, tribal organizations, or other stakeholders to support Native elder services
• Developing or implementing programs, policies, strategic plans, or service delivery improvements
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, policies, and service delivery systems impacting older adults, including the Older Americans Act Title III/Title VI, Medicaid, and long-term services and supports (LTSS)

Preferred Qualifications

• Comprehensive experience and ability to conceptualize and think critically, creatively and holistically about human service initiatives and strategies for implementation; knowledge of trends affecting older persons
• Experience and ability to establish and maintain relationships with agencies and organizations and achieve results without direct authority
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and/or cultures

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS - The Department of Human Services will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Reena Shetty at [e-mail].

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.